Sisley Black Rose
Precious Face Oil
8/26/14

The beauty world and beauty-conscious consumers embraced and adored Sisley's Black Rose Cream Mask, so naturally their first face oil (the second product in the Black Rose line) was highly anticipated by Sisley fans around the world. With different global launch dates, I felt especially lucky to get my hands on a bottle a full month before the majority of other regions. In skincare time, that's akin to a year!

With strategically-placed beautiful yet minimal ads (teasers, really) in publications like Vogue and W, the mysterious oil was featured on popular "must have" and "favorites" pages of well respected beauty editors who'd received sample bottles ahead of the launch. The product was a huge success long before its official launch date in the U.S. alone, thanks to endless praise from highly selective beauty editors and publications revered by skincare junkies like myself. Oh, how I love a fabulous marketing campaign.

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Sisley is one of few ultra high-end skincare brands that can get away with product videos like this, offering little to no information about the product. It's the allure. The prestige. The brand history. Having religiously used the Black Rose Cream Mask overnight twice a week for over a year, I could hardly contain myself when I got my hands on the oil. They recommend using the oil once a day, day or night before other skincare treatments. I have chosen to use it at night, before Chantecaille's Retinol Intense, which is the night cream I've been using as of late. Wow, wow WOW! It has the same lovely rose scent as the mask, and quite literally feels hydrating and nourishing as I gently glide the oil over my face and neck with my fingertips. Six to seven drops is more than enough for my face, neck and décolletage. 

After one night I was sold on the intensive hydration and radiance this oil gives my skin. I'm no stranger to face oils, but I can't name one that comes close to providing the benefits I reap from using Sisley's first face oil. By providing the ultimate in hydration, it both smooths any fine lines and prevents new lines from forming. Why mask or put a Band-Aid on something that can both treat and prevent? My sensitive and reactive skin can easily make or break a product after one use. I'm often asked by readers if products are "lifting." This product doesn't make any lifting promises, nor do most face oils. If you're looking for a product that will help lift or tighten skin, I recommend seeking that benefit from a serum, which would be applied after this oil. Both La Mer and La Prairie have serums that do just that. I wouldn't recommend getting into that type of product just yet, for most of my readers. They are often incredibly expensive and unnecessary until skin starts to lose its elasticity as you near your late 40s or enter your 50s.

The promise: 

Immediately, lines are smoothed, the skin is intensely nourished, supple and soft. All day long, the skin is moisturized and comfortable, without a shiny effect. After 4 weeks, wrinkles and fine lines are visibly reduced. The skin regains its fullness, and is toned and revitalized. The complexion is radiant.

Active Ingredients: 

• Plum oil (rich in omega 6): strengthens the barrier function and brings comfort and suppleness to the skin
• Camelina oil (rich in omega 3 and 6): nourishes, soothes and preserves the skin's lipid balance
• Phytosqualane: nourishes, moisturizes and strengthens the skin's protective film
• Natural Tocopherols: help to combat free radicals
• Unsaponifiables of avocado: regenerate, repair, nourish, soothe
• Padina pavonica: stimulates synthesis of glycosaminoglycans
• Black Rose extract: moisturizes and softens
• Bulgarian Rose essential oil: tones
• Magnolia essential oil: soothes
• Geranium essential oil: purifies

My verdict? An instant favorite. Sisley proved the power of these ingredients with their overnight mask, and the fact that I can treat my skin to this every night is delightful. My Chantecaille Retinol Intense night cream goes on incredibly smoothly, the oil cuts down on the amount of cream I use and I awake with glowing, perfectly hydrated skin. Anyone with normal/dry or sensitive skin will benefit from this powerful oil. Another home run from Sisley!

Sisley Black Rose Precious Face Oil is $235 for an .84 oz bottle. 

Available at: Barneys, Neiman Marcus & Nordstrom. 

La Mer:
The Concentrate
8/12/14

Although I'd received small samples of this wonder serum over the years, I never really understood how or why I should use The Concentrate. While I've been a devout fan of the original Crème de la Mer and The Eye Balm Intense since my college years (completely my roommate's fault), this product was a complete mystery to me. The problem with La Mer products is that they're like potato chips and Chanel nail polishes – you can't have just one. I went from using the original Crème de la Mer to using The Eye Balm Intense, then The Hand Treatment, The Lip Balm, The Cleansing Foam, The Hydrating Infusion, The Mist, and so on and so forth. I won't continue my embarrassingly long list. You get the idea.

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I'm now knee-deep in The Concentrate, and lemme tell ya – it's true love. Sure, it was created by a scientist to help heal burns and skin wounds and all sorts of scary skin ailments. Now imagine what it does for healthy skin. That's right. We're talking flawless. Heaven for an admitted skincare perfectionist. Any teeny tiny fine lines I had? Gone. A hint of an old scar? Gone. All flaws gone! Aside from banishing any minor imperfections, my skin has never looked better. My pores are minuscule, any redness or unevenness in skintone is immediately corrected, and my skin is glowing. I would bathe in the stuff if I could. I've even taken to applying it around my eye area prior to applying either the Crème de la Mer (safe for use on the eye area, including eyelids) or under my eye cream. I also apply it on my neck and décolletage, of course. 

My verdict? Worth every penny. Whether you have scars and your skin needs TLC or simply want to use The Concentrate as an omg, endless compliment-inducing skin miracle, you can't go wrong. There's no other product like it. Is it overkill for people with great skin? Sure. But there is no shame in my game. My skin may be pretty darn flawless, but this is my secret weapon to keeping it that way– and I do enjoy the compliments. ;)

La Mer 'The Concentrate' is $425 for a 1.7 oz. bottle, & $325 for a 1 oz. bottle. 

Available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Barneys & La Mer online. 

La Prairie

Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream

2/24/14

I would be remiss not to post about this coveted, luxury eye cream after my review of La Mer's 'The Eye Balm Intense'. Since I've found myself ensconced in La Prairie over the past year, I purchased their Skin Caviar Lifting Luxuries Set, which included a full size jar of this eye cream. The packaging is gorgeous and in keeping with the Skin Caviar line with its blue glass jar, metallic cap and trim with spoon holder for the signature La Prairie embossed spoon. Lovely on any vanity tray. But what does it do?

Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream promises to solve all of our eye area woes. True to its name, it promises to help restore firmness and elasticity, deeply moisturize the eye area and reduce the look of dark circles and puffiness. That's a tall order! I find the cream to be quite rich, and have been using it solely at night. It's too rich for eye makeup, and could easily turn mascara into a hot mess. I prefer the benefits and texture of La Mer 'The Eye Balm Intense' for day use, as it's both cooling and lighter in texture. 

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After cleansing and toning, I start with La Prairie Essence of Skin Caviar Eye Complex, which is a fancy name for a highly-effective eye serum. Since most eye creams shouldn't be applied to eyelids, the serum is a necessity for me. A little bit goes a long way with this rich cream, which helps ease the sticker shock. Just less than 1/4 of a spoon is enough for the entire eye area, including between and above the brows and from the sides to the hairline, as well as below the eyes. I always apply eye area treatments before facial serums and creams, or they tend to pill or flake. 

I honestly didn't notice much of a difference until about three weeks after beginning the treatment, and I'm still somewhat on the fence. It's certainly hydrating, and my eye area is still dewy in the morning. Bonus points there, since moisture prevents wrinkles. I don't have puffiness (knock on wood), so I can't comment on that. As far as lifting and firming benefits, I think I'm too young to truly reap the benefits this luxury cream offers. Sure, it's delightfully hydrating and I have seen fine lines vanish. But is it worth it?

My verdict? Although it looks lovely on my vanity and hydrates my eye area through the night, I think those with deeper wrinkles and puffiness would benefit more from this cream. I imagine I'll revisit this cream in about a decade - and I'll be happily using it up - but I'm going to start using my beloved La Mer 'The Eye Balm Intense' both day and night. It's about $125 cheaper and addresses my needs at present. 

La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream is $310 for a .68 oz. jar. 

Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. 

Winter Body Care:
Kiehl's Creme de Corps Moisturizer &
Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish
1/24/14

In addition to changing my facial skincare routine for cold weather, I also change my body care products. During summer months, I use a lot of fresh citrus-scented products. Colder weather calls for a thicker, more intensive moisturizer and frequent exfoliation to keep my skin soft and hydrated. Creme de Corps is one of Kiehl's best sellers, with good reason. The rich body moisturizer is enriched with Beta-Carotene, Cocoa Butter, Sesame Oil and Squalane, which helps restore our skin's moisture balance. The cream is unscented and offered in a wide array of sizes, from travel-sized options to the 1 liter pump shown below. 

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The texture is thick, but smooth. While quite rich, it's readily absorbed by the skin and only takes a few minutes to fully absorb. Unlike most body butters, application is a breeze. I find most body butters to be thick and cumbersome, and often sit on top of the skin needing to be massaged in for proper absorption. This is fine for smaller areas like feet, but who wants to waste time and money on body butter everyday? Creme de Corps provides skin the moisture it craves all winter long. For those who like the idea of a body butter, Creme de Corps offers a Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter, which has a slightly sweet scent and isn't nearly as thick as a typical body butter. 

Unlike summer months, I exfoliate my skin in the shower at least 3-4 times a week. What better pairing than Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish? Honey, Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil are key to this gentle and effective body exfoliant. It leaves skin incredibly soft and primed to receive moisturizer. 

My verdict? This is a winning combination for soft, hydrated skin all winter long. With the wide array of sizes available, it's also travel and budget friendly. Thumbs up!

Creme de Corps is available in a wide array of sizes, from a 2.5 oz. bottle for $11 to a 1 liter pump (shown above) for $75. 

Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish is available in a 2.5 fl. oz. tube for $11, or an 6.8 fl. oz. tube (shown above) for $30.

Available at Kiehl's, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. 

La Mer
The Eye Balm Intense
1/19/14

Every winter I change certain skincare products to combat dry skin. I generally reintroduce Crème de la Mer during the day, as well as The Eye Balm Intense. Although I no longer live in a cold climate, my combination skin is both sensitive and reactive, and my allergies can affect my eye area. I've been using La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream at night, but I find it too heavy for day use. Enter The Eye Balm Intense. 

La Mer offers two eye creams, both containing the famed Miracle Broth that made Crème de la Mer famous. I've used both, and this product is by far my favorite. The Eye Balm Intense contains three versions of the Miracle Broth, and promises to reduce puffiness and diminish fine lines and wrinkles, while The Eye Concentrate is billed as targeting dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles. Sounds easy enough to choose, right? Not so much. I don't have any puffiness (knock on wood) and I can get small dark circles with poor sleep and allergies, but I prefer The Eye Balm Intense. The Eye Concentrate is thinner, and my eye area doesn't feel as hydrated as it does when I use The Eye Balm Intense. "Balm" is somewhat of a misnomer, as it's technically a soft cream, and isn't so heavy that you can't wear makeup over it. It's thicker than The Eye Concentrate, but melts into skin. No problems using under-eye concealer with this product, and you'll use far less of it. 

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Both eye creams are applied with the silver-tipped applicator, which cools the skin and improves micro-circulation. I can't say enough good things about the cooling, metal applicator which is even more gentle than applying cream with your ring finger. While I don't have puffiness, I love the improved circulation in the eye area, which also aids in keeping dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles at bay. Those who do have puffiness will appreciate the cool metal in aiding circulation. This cream also provides a lifting effect, making skin more taut and youthful. 

The light cucumber scent is pleasant and soothing. The Eye Balm Intense maintains hydration all day long, without the need for reapplication. That said, it's also not overkill or greasy. I have used this eye cream for years, and apply Crème de la Mer over it to boost effectiveness. Crème de la Mer is one of very few moisturizers you can apply to your entire eye area, gently locking in moisture. 

My verdict? This eye cream has maintained cult status for good reason. Not only is it incredibly effective at hydrating the eye area and preventing puffiness and wrinkles, but you can also apply your concealer without concern. It's just that good. Comparable eye treatments can cost you nearly $300 or more, yet don't come close to this cult favorite.

La Mer The Eye Balm Intense is $185 for a .5 oz. jar. 

Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus & Barneys. 

Chantecaille Detox Clay Mask
1/5/14

Happy New Year! I haven't posted in quite a while, and I'm really excited about this new discovery. I've been a fan of Chantecaille for quite some time, and I can't believe I waited so long to try their clay mask. I regularly use and love their Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask and Fruit and Flower Acids Mask. 

I'd been using Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque, and had tried other clay masks like Aēsop's Primrose Facial Cleansing Masque but was disappointed. Sure, the Kiehl's mask worked well. But like most clay masks, it left my face feeling tight and would sometimes cause some redness if left on for too long. I'd avoided Chantecaille's clay mask purely because of the color - black. I knew my expensive, soft washcloths would be stained. I read review after review in global fashion and beauty publications with raves about this product. Alas, I could resist no longer.

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The small jar and somewhat sizable price tag concerned me at first glance. After cleansing my face, I began to apply the mask. I was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly and easily it was to apply, and how far such a little amount went. It felt cooling and soothing, and didn't dry like most clay masks. It has a pleasant, spa-like scent of rosemary and other natural ingredients. I expected my face to be charcoal or black, but it actually takes on somewhat of a dark, bluish hue. I waited the instructed 10 minutes before washing it off for the first time. If you've used clay masks, you know how difficult a task it can be to remove them. This mask is completely different. Just a soft washcloth and some warm water, and the mask easily and gently washed off my skin.

About the fourth or fifth use, I realized that 30 minutes had passed and I'd forgotten to wash the mask off. Even though I exceeded the instructed time of 10 minutes, my face wasn't tight whatsoever. None of the usual hard, tight clay mask woes. I believe the honey helps keep the mask from becoming too stiff and uncomfortable. Once again, a little warm water and a soft washcloth was all it took to remove the mask. It really tightens my pores and leaves my skin soft, smooth and glowing. Because it is a purifying or detoxifying mask, any tiny underlying pimples or imperfections immediately come to the surface and are magically gone the following morning. I had certainly never experienced this level of success with any other clay mask. Having both combination and reactive/sensitive skin, this is the ideal purifying mask. Gentle and effective. 

My verdict? The best clay/purifying mask on the market. Totally worth staining one of your best washcloths for. Chantecaille did it again!

Chantecaille Detox Clay Mask with Rosemary and Honey is $78 for a 1.7oz. jar. 

Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Barneys. 

La Prairie
Cellular Power Infusion
10/13/13


I'm not quite sure where to start with this skincare "science kit," as I've been referring to it. My beauty bestie insisted I use this before re-entering the La Prairie universe. I began to think of it as sort of a reset button for my skin. I commenced the 28-40 day treatment with healthy skepticism. Like most La Prairie products, there's the initial sticker shock immediately followed by the gotta have it allure. I'm weak. 

Like all La Prairie products, Cellular Power Infusion (CPI) comes packaged in style. A white leather box with embossed tonal logo zips open with a metal logo pull, revealing four glass and metal bottles ensconced in a silver holder. This product manages to be both exciting and intimidating. I removed the first bottle and twisted the bottom, releasing a blue fluid suspended in a clear fluid, creating a light blue liquid fluid when shaken. Holy futuristic skincare, Batman! CPI is to be used twice daily after cleansing and toning, and before serum and moisturizer. There's serious science behind this beauty product, highlighted in this cool video. It's a skincare supplement with a lot of promises. From La Prairie:

• Revitalized, glowing skin returns, as skin’s inherent power is renewed.
• Aging signs seem to diminish as skin cells benefit from enhanced protection against external stress factors.
• Youthful, firmed, resiliency meets your touch as skin tissue is restored.
• The look and feel of younger skin is yours again.

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I must admit this is a fun product to use, and I looked forward to using it each day. The bottle has a dropper (concealed by the silver top) that provides the perfect amount for face and neck. I dispensed one dropper-full per palm, and gently smoothed it on my face and neck with my fingertips. I found that it took a couple of days to perfect my routine. The consistency is thin, but thick enough not to run. I began noticing results from the first use. After one day my skin felt like silk and had a natural, healthy glow. By week two my pores had seriously tightened, fine lines vanished, and my skin felt new - as though I'd had a peel, but with zero abrasion. By the end of my thirty days, I was a believer. 

But the program doesn't end after the fourth bottle of this miracle potion. CPI is used every three months, intermittently with Cellular Power Charge Night (an intensive serum with Retinol) the two months in between CPI cycles. An expensive yet addictive addition to your regimen. 

My verdict? I was hooked after day one. I tapped the last bottle to get every drop like it was liquid gold. My skin has never looked younger or healthier, which is really the heart of CPI. My skin cells have been renewed, and it shows. I won't be giving up my healthy glow and foundation-free face anytime soon. 

La Prairie Cellular Power Infusion is $475 for a 28-40 day cycle (a box of four bottles).

Available at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom. 

La Prairie
Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask
10/8/13

It's here! After much anticipation and raves from British Vogue to European beauty bloggers, I pre-ordered this highly-coveted mask from my La Prairie guru. At long last, it arrived last week. The packaging is pure luxury of course, and consistent with the rest of the Skin Caviar Line with a cobalt blue glass jar and silver top. The jar comes with a lovely brush, attached where a spoon would normally be for eye creams, along the silver rim at the base of the jar. Everything about the packaging screams luxury. From the silver boxes to the sealed silver paper, opening a La Prairie product is like opening a present- in every sense. 

I've long sung the praises of overnight masks, which is the optimal time for skin to reap the benefits. I have night and day masks for different needs, from added luminosity and exfoliation to a surge of hydration, and I rely on them about 2-3 timed weekly. Here are La Prairie's listed benefits for the Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask:

"During the night, Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask purifies and refines the skin and thoroughly replenishes it with moisture. 

Firmness is enhanced with caviar extracts and lines are plumped. 

It's an overnight sensation giving noticeable results quickly. Your skin will greet the day with fewer visible wrinkles, a firm look, a smoother texture, and the look of a healthy glow."

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The application is just plain fun. Instructions indicate to apply generous dots on forehead, cheeks, and chin. Using the brush, I smoothed the mask evenly over my face using upward strokes on my forehead, outward strokes over my cheeks, and downward strokes over my nose and chin. The creamy pink mask easily smoothed over my face with the delicate brush and instantly started to melt into my skin. I've used the mask three times now, and my skin is absolutely radiant the following morning. Fine lines plump up and appear to have vanished, my cheeks and jawline appear firmed, skin feels incredibly soft and smooth and my face is absolutely glowing. 

The first two applications, I let the mask sink into my skin and headed to sleep. The third application I decided to gently smooth the mask into my skin with my fingertips, which is listed as an option on the instruction card. That's the best bet for side sleepers, and it feels really good. It actually forms a clear film, locking in moisture. An overnight mask you can  wear to sleep without shooing (or scaring) your significant other away! The mask can be used 1-3 times per week, and I foresee myself using it twice a week since I like to use other masks as well. The brush can be cleaned with brush cleansers or with gentle soap and water and air dried. When I rinse the mask off, I'm happily surprised by the amount of time I spend rinsing it completely off my skin before cleansing. Who knew how deeply and how much this invisible mask absorbs? Super cool. 

My verdict? Sure, this seems like a heck of a splurge for a mask. I'd guess I'll get about 20 uses out of one jar. Considering what facials cost, it's actually a considerable savings since I think I'll be getting half as many. This is a facial in a jar, my friends.

La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask is $300 for a 1.7 oz. jar. 

Available at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom.